This text is part of the special Pleasures notebook
The return of good weather has something festive about it in Stockholm. The Swedes gorge themselves on every ray of sunshine that manages to pierce the clouds… Yes, Quebecers have a lot in common with northern Europeans!
On this radiant afternoon, the terrace of Blå Porten seems to come to life. Built in the late 1600s next to the iron gates that provided access to Djurgården, the king’s hunting park, the restaurant, which was rebuilt near the Liljevalchs Art Gallery in 1916 after a fire, offers dishes traditional at reasonable prices.
Considered the lungs of Stockholm, the Djurgården Royal Park is part of the first urban national park in the world created in 1995. This protected area extends over 27 km2 between Stockholm and surrounding towns attracts a mix of Stockholmers and tourists. The island is easily reached by boat, tram, on foot or by bike from the center.
Around 60 attractions from the Royal Djurgården Society work together to achieve the United Nations’ sustainability goals. The park was awarded the Green Destinations Platinum Award in 2022, jointly with the city of Ljubljana in Slovenia.
There are many museums within walking distance of each other in the area. The most spectacular is the Vasa, which houses a 17th century warship.e century. The incredible story of this 1,200-ton vessel, which sank after being launched in 1628, leaves as strong an impression as the wonderfully well-preserved details of its oak hull.
A stone’s throw away, the ABBA museum has been making visitors dance and sing since 2013. It is absolutely impossible to resist the festive atmosphere of the temple dedicated to the emblematic group of the 1970s. In addition to browsing the different rooms highlighting the aspect biographical, the most motivated can push the note in karaoke booths and go on stage with holograms of the members of the musical group.
Sustainability and royalty
At the Rosendals gardens, accessible in exchange for a voluntary contribution, the vegetables grown are served in the café located on the site. “All the land and buildings are the property of the royal administration,” explains Victoria Lagne, head of communications for the site. But, 40 years ago, a foundation was created to disseminate knowledge about horticulture. For example, the agricultural methods used are biodynamic. »
The café and various events generate income to ensure the maintenance of the space. “Sweden was one of the pioneers of the farm-to-table movement,” says Ms.me Lagne. From the new kitchen, the chefs can see the vegetables growing in our garden. »
Stockholm being an archipelago, water plays a crucial role in the daily lives of its inhabitants. This is one of the aspects that Madelinian Pauline Myrand prefers. Having settled on the island of Vaxholm with her family since last fall, she can also observe the passing of the seasons and have access to a rich cultural life. ” There is everything. You can go to the royal opera, the grand ballets or the national theater. The cultural offering is exceptional. There are many museums, both art and history. And a few minutes from the city, there is nature,” she describes.
Art is also discovered underground. In case of hostile weather, nothing better than a walk through the different Stockholm metro stations decorated by artists. One of the most impressive, Kungsträdgården, is at the end of the blue line. “It’s a replica of the old palace,” explains Birgitta Palmér, press manager for the Stockholm region. Between 1643 and 1825, the site housed the majestic Makalös Palace and a French garden, destroyed by fire. The different elements that can be seen in the station tell their story.
There is no doubt that Stockholm is a wonderful option for a summer trip to Europe away from the heatwave.
Part of the costs of this trip were paid by Visit Stockholm. Airline tickets are courtesy of KLM.
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